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Therese's Reviews > Giant
Giant
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I loved this older novel that was one of our library book club reads. Written by a Pulitzer Prize winning author, it’s a sweeping, multi-generational story that begins with a rich Texas cattle baron falling in love with a genteel, yet educated and opinionated Virginia belle, when he visits their plantation to buy a race horse. Bringing his new bride home to Texas, she must not only get used to a new husband, but to a completely new way of living on the cattle ranch, and as the years pass, to the oil tycoons who threaten to change their way of life. As she settles into her new life, she becomes aware of how the Mexicans that work on the ranch are treated, with low pay, poor medical care and deplorable living conditions. Themes that are explored include wealth and privilege, prejudice, racism, family dynamics.
As a bonus, it was interesting to watch the companion Oscar winning movie, Giant, with screen legends Rock Hudson, Elizabeth Taylor, and James Dean, filmed in the late 1950’s. I also came across a recent documentary of the making of the movie, which was also quite interesting.
As a bonus, it was interesting to watch the companion Oscar winning movie, Giant, with screen legends Rock Hudson, Elizabeth Taylor, and James Dean, filmed in the late 1950’s. I also came across a recent documentary of the making of the movie, which was also quite interesting.
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Reading Progress
June 14, 2022
–
Started Reading
June 14, 2022
– Shelved
June 14, 2022
– Shelved as:
to-read
July 3, 2022
– Shelved as:
modern-classics
July 3, 2022
–
Finished Reading
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Thanks for your comments, Jim. Reading some of the observations of Texas, which to me seemed like its own character in the book, felt as contemporary as back in the 1950’s.
T, sounds like that if you enjoyed this book you would also like The Son by Philip Meyer. It is a very similar generational novel set in the same land but it revolves around how the land and its use changes as well as the nature of the people and the society. It’s a really good book and part of my collection and your’s to borrow.
David, you lent me that book several years ago. I read it, and thoroughly enjoyed it. 👍
Great review, Therese! I'm pleasantly surprised the author explored those themes - wealth and privilege, prejudice, racism, and family dynamics - considering how long ago it was written. But I think it's great that she did! Ms. Farber was an author, and a human-being, far ahead of her time! Kudos to her!
Thanks for commenting on this, Jodi. In the documentary about the movie, it was interesting to find out how some areas of the US, as well as Mexico, wanted certain parts cut. I believe the director stood firm and nothing was cut from what was shown in the US, but quite a bit was cut from what was shown in Mexico, which surprised me.
Therese, I happened upon the movie and was surprised, and impressed, that it addressed race relations considering when it was made! That was unexpected and captivating. Good movie! I imagine the book was even better.
Cathy, glad you enjoyed the movie! The documentary explained that some states, and other countries, wanted to cut some of the footage or change the ending. The director stood firm, but couldn’t help what happened across the border.
Thanks for the review.